An exhibition of the skilful, detailed and colourful work of Cuibhrigean Eilean Leodhais – The Lewis Quilt Group – is taking place in An Lanntair’s main gallery from the 9thDecember 2006.
It will “cover” (and doubtless warm) the festive period and the public will be asked to vote for their favourite, which will then be displayed at the prestigious Loch Lomond Quilt Show.
Among the range on display will be small cot quilts made for grandchildren, larger ones as family heirlooms, and others described as lap quilts. Some use antique fabrics, oriental designs and appliqué work, inspiration comes from many places and the time to complete a quilt can be anything up to three years.
Established in 2005, the Loch Lomond Show was the brainchild of three friends from the Dumbarton area who wanted to exhibit quilts differently; in churches, halls and libraries in the town and district. Each year there are solo, group shows, collections and an exhibition called “Thirty of the Best” which is from quilt groups throughout Scotland. In 2007 the theme is “Far and Away” and as it has been inspired by the Scottish Islands, the thirty quilts will come from Shetland to Arran and points between. Among the five quilts that Cuibhrigean Eilean Leodhais will provide, will be the one selected from the An Lanntair exhibition. They are also entering the group competition with a special quilt made from Harris Tweed.
Hanne Asbey, now living in Aberdeen, started Cuibhrigean some twelve years ago and has gone on to become a prize-winning quilter. But the group has flourished. Expertise is shared, beginners are shown basic techniques and can move on at their own pace. This year a different technique was practiced, hand-pieced blocks created and one of the quilts in the exhibition is produced in this way. Local textile artists are also invited to host workshops at regular meetings, while mainland tutors can do all-day sessions. Over the years Cuibhrigean as a group and as individuals have also made quilts and other work which have been donated to various charities and raised hundreds of pounds. They meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30 in Grianan, Westview Terrace. New members are made very welcome.
The Cuibhrigean exhibition takes place from the 9th December 2006 in An Lanntair in Stornoway.
The Loch Lomond Quilt Show takes place from May 16th – 19th 2007 in and around Dumbarton.